you know, not everyone believes that the consequences of going over this fiscal cliff are going to be so severe. people are talking about a global financial crisis, another u.s. credit downgrade. those who do say there absolutely has to be a compromise. shortly after the confetti fell on election night both sides claimed victory in their vision of how to deal with the economy. >> there was a message sent to us by the american people based on the campaign. people making all this money have to contribute a little bit more. >> the american people made clear there's still a mandate for raising tax rates. >> reporter: president obama won the election on the idea that the wealthiest americans should pay more in taxes. a new study said the president's plan would increase revenue and slow economic growth by a tenth of a percent. >> good afternoon, everyone. >> reporter: republicans point to a different study. >> the in accounting firm of ernst and young said going over the fiscal cliff and raising taxes on the wealthiest would cost jobs. >> reporter: how to avoid this fiscal cliff are expecte